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Kinshasa, the capital of DR Congo
Flag of DR Congo Capital of DR Congo

Kinshasa

Kinshasa, formerly known as Léopoldville, is the capital and largest city of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and one of the world's fastest-growing megacities. As the leading economic, political, and cultural center of the DRC, it stands as Africa's third-most populous city and hosts significant governmental and institutional buildings.

Photo: Francis Shok Mweze (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Quick facts

Population
17,032,322 (city, 2024)
Currency
Congolese franc (CDF)
Language
French, Kikongo, Lingala, Tshiluba, Swahili
Timezone
WAT (UTC+1)
Local time now
20:07:17

Hotels in Kinshasa

Kinshasa offers a range of accommodation options for visitors to the DR Congo's capital city. Hotels such as Le Village, Hotel Picadilly, Picasso, Bibi Play's, and Hotel Ixhoras provide lodging choices across the city. See all hotels →

Le Village
1.5 km from centre
hotel Picadilly
3.3 km from centre
Picasso
3.6 km from centre

Airports in Kinshasa

We're still gathering airports listings for Kinshasa — check back soon.

Car Hire in Kinshasa

We're still gathering car hire listings for Kinshasa — check back soon.

Things to Do in Kinshasa

Kinshasa offers visitors a range of cultural and historic attractions to explore. From the Monument des Artistes to the Baobab et tombe circulaire de Mfumu Nvula, the city's landmarks reflect its rich heritage and artistic spirit. See all things to do →

Baobab et tombe circulaire de Mfumu Nvula
840 m from centre
Laura K
3.7 km from centre
PAROISSE SAINT JOSEPH
3.9 km from centre
Monument des Artistes
4.0 km from centre
Ndaku ya la vie est belle
4.0 km from centre
Monument President Kasa-Vubu
4.6 km from centre

Restaurants in Kinshasa

Kinshasa offers a variety of dining experiences, from casual eateries to established restaurants. Visitors can explore local cuisine at venues such as Chez Flore, Cheetah 2, Chez ma Mamy, Restaurant Chez Maman Judith, and Le Goyavier, each providing different atmospheres and menu selections across the city. See all restaurants →

Chez Flore
congolese · 1.2 km from centre
Cheetah 2
1.4 km from centre
Chez ma Mamy
2.2 km from centre

Swimming Pools in Kinshasa

Kinshasa offers swimming pool facilities where locals and visitors can enjoy a refreshing dip. Petite Piscine St-Raphaël is among the swimming options available in the city. See all swimming pools →

Petite Piscine St-Raphaël
2.8 km from centre

Spas in Kinshasa

We're still gathering spas listings for Kinshasa — check back soon.

Nightlife in Kinshasa

Kinshasa offers a lively nightlife scene where locals and visitors can experience the city's energetic atmosphere. Venues like Boyoma Boyoma showcase the capital's social venues and entertainment options. See all nightlife →

Boyoma Boyoma
7.4 km from centre

Bars in Kinshasa

Kinshasa's bar scene offers a variety of local venues where visitors and residents can experience the city's social atmosphere. From establishments like Muntu Wa Nzambe and Chez Maman Chantal to Le goùt du changement, N'oublie pas 1822, and Business Moto, there are several options to explore throughout the city. See all bars →

Muntu Wa Nzambe
1.2 km from centre
Chez Maman Chantal
1.4 km from centre
Le goùt du changement
1.5 km from centre

Cafes in Kinshasa

Kinshasa offers a selection of cafes where visitors and locals can enjoy refreshments and relax. Notable establishments in the city include CAFETARIA and RACHEL, providing convenient gathering spots throughout the capital. See all cafes →

1.17
3.4 km from centre
CAFETARIA
3.8 km from centre
1.14
3.9 km from centre

Shopping in Kinshasa

Kinshasa offers a variety of shopping experiences, from modern commercial complexes like Complexe commercial MB and La reference to local boutiques such as Boutique Qi Sheng and Somida. Whether you're looking for everyday essentials or specialty items, the city's retail spaces cater to diverse shopping needs. See all shopping →

La reference
3.5 km from centre
Maison commerciale
7.5 km from centre
Complexe commercial MB
7.7 km from centre

Nature & Wildlife in Kinshasa

Kinshasa offers several natural spaces for visitors to experience the city's green areas. From parc de bon lieu to other outdoor destinations like Terrain Tshobo, nature enthusiasts can find places to connect with the environment within the city. See all nature & wildlife →

Place Commerciale
3.7 km from centre
parc de bon lieu
3.8 km from centre
Place Echangeur
6.2 km from centre
Terrain Tshobo
6.8 km from centre

Climate snapshot

Kinshasa experiences a tropical climate with warm temperatures throughout the year. The city has distinct wet and dry seasons, with rainfall concentrated in certain months and drier periods in between, typical of its equatorial location.

Interesting Facts About Kinshasa — Weird & Wonderful

  • Kinshasa is the world's seventh-most populous city proper and the fourth-most populous capital city globally.
  • The city was renamed from Léopoldville to Kinshasa in 1966, marking a significant point in its history.
  • It is the most densely populated city in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
  • Kinshasa houses the People's Palace, Palace of the Nation, Constitutional Court, and African Union City among other major institutional buildings.
  • The city is a leading center for manufacturing, telecommunications, banking, and entertainment industries in Central Africa.

Frequently Asked Questions About Kinshasa

What is the currency used in Kinshasa?

The currency of Kinshasa and the Democratic Republic of the Congo is the Congolese franc (CDF).

What language is spoken in Kinshasa?

French is the official language spoken in Kinshasa, alongside various local languages and dialects.

Why is Kinshasa important to the DRC?

Kinshasa is the leading economic, political, and cultural center of the DRC, housing key industries and major governmental institutions.

How large is Kinshasa's population?

Kinshasa has a city population of 17,032,322 as of 2024 and is one of Africa's fastest-growing megacities.

What makes Kinshasa significant in Africa?

Kinshasa is Africa's third-most populous city and third-largest metropolitan area, and ranks as the world's seventh-most populous city proper.

What are the main industries in Kinshasa?

The city's leading industries include manufacturing, telecommunications, banking, and entertainment.

Map of Kinshasa

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